Analysis of drinking water

According to the new regulations (DWPR March 2015) it is no longer obligatory to analyse your water following the drilling of your artesian well. On the other hand, you must ensure that water intended for human consumption complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act, at all times.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you get your water tested by a laboratory accredited by the Quebec government to ensure its quality and potability. It is recommended that the water is analyzed at least once a year.

The best time to do this analysis is when the possibility of contamination is highest. This normally occurs in early spring just after the snow melts, after a prolonged drought, during heavy rains, after long periods of non-use of your well, or if the properties of the water change (color, odor, etc.).

Three types of analysis

There are three types of kits available to carry out the analysis of well water. The first kit will allow you to check for bacteria such as fecal coliform (E. Coli). The second kit can detect the presence of physical-chemical elements in water, such as arsenic or various metals. The third kit allows for a much more detailed analysis of the state of your water. The latter is the one proposed by the Ministry of Environment in the previous regulations (ICER Article 21).

Who can do the analysis?

Analyses must be performed by a laboratory certified by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change.

If it is not, your analysis will not be valid. The Puits Bernier team has been a trusted partner for many years, but you can choose the laboratory that will conduct the testing yourself on the Government of Quebec website.

There are two ways to go

You can take the drinking water sample for analysis yourself. Just pick up your package at Puits Bernier. You can then send your sample to the laboratory yourself, or bring it back to us so our team can look after it.

To take samples correctly, there is a protocol to follow.

• Where should the sampling be done?
  • Do not take the sample from a tap that is connected to an individual water treatment system
  • Do not take the sample from a garden hose or outside faucet
  • Make the collection inside, preferably in the kitchen, but make sure there is no filter on the tap
• Some precautions to take
  • Wash your hands before handling containers
  • Do not rinse the bottle before taking the sample, because it contains a preservative
  • During sampling, ensure that the plug is not in contact with a dirty surface, as this could distort the analysis of data
  • Once the sample is taken, close the bottle immediately in order to minimize the risk of contamination
  • Refrigerate the sample immediately
  • Containers must be sent within 24 hours of the date and time of sampling
• How is this done?
  • If you collect the sample from a faucet run the cold water for 5 minutes before collection
  • The bottle should be filled up to within 2 cm of the top or to the line marked on your container

What if the results are abnormal?

If the results are abnormal or non-standard, contact an expert in water treatment. They will advise you on how to solve the problem with your water.